The Peru Gazette

Source: Covid update: When is omicron wave expected to peak in US? – syracuse.com

Source: Local dealership changes hands | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Annie and her husband Shea Brennan, and their two sons moved to the North Country from Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada during the fall of 2021.

Source: Fatal snowmobile crash remains under investigation | Sun Community News NORTH ELBA | William Paye Jr.’s family and friends are now mourning his loss following a snowmobile accident Jan. 2.

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State, and Federal COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed (including mask-wearing).

Anticipated topics include:

• CCE PACE Program
• Multi-Year Financial Plan
• Construction Update
• Personnel Appointments
• Employee Assistance Program/Services

At this time, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned for this meeting as follows:

1^st public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

2^nd public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 11^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org at a later time.–

Peru Central School District

District Office

Source: Vermont reports 2,188 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, another record

Source: Plattsburgh home destroyed in early morning fire

January 6, 2022 – The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and the County of Clinton welcome Molly Ryan into the role of the Executive Director to the CCIDA and the Director of Economic Development for Clinton County. Molly Ryan was previously the Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Billy Jones and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the realm of economic development in the North Country Region.

“As a lifelong resident of Clinton County, I look forward to continuing to help the region, which I know and love as my home, continue to grow and flourish,” said Ryan. “As the Executive Director to the CCIDA/ Director for Economic Development for the county, I look forward to continuing to build relationships in the business community and with area stakeholders. These relationships are key to building bridges throughout the region to address workforce development and business expansion. Our area is in a strong position and I am excited to hit the ground running and bring more success stories to the North Country.”

For the last five years, Ryan served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Jones. During her tenure with the State Assembly, she focused on local legislative issues in areas of rural health, infrastructure and the local environment. In the district, she also worked with local community leaders, elected officials, and constituents to advance the economy of our region and ensure everyone had their voice heard.

“We are excited to have Molly Ryan on board at the CCIDA,” said Trent Trahan, Chairperson of the CCIDA /CCCRC Board of Directors. “Molly’s regional knowledge coupled with her experience in the private and public sector have given her a solid foundation to carry out the role of Executive Director for the CCIDA. I look forward to working with her and continuing to foster growth in Clinton County.”

Molly Ryan has a long career in public service, having previously worked as the Constituent Liaison for Congressman Bill Owens for almost five years. Additionally, she worked as the Community Outreach Manager as well as the Manager of Volunteer Services at the University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Molly Ryan is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and resides in Rouses Point with her husband, and two children.

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Source: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes $2.3 billion in tax relief for middle-class, small businesses – syracuse.com

Peru Gazette file photo

“As the 2022 legislative session begins, there’s much to be done if we’re finally going to get New York State, and upstate in particular, heading in the right direction. While I agree with aspects of Governor Hochul’s agenda and look forward to working with her on those items, she also failed to address other important issues we face.

“We have to get the spread of coronavirus under control. After the disruptions and setbacks it’s brought to our education system, we have to ensure schools are able to continue in-person learning. Our health care system is greatly distressed and there is the staffing crisis facing our hospitals, nursing homes and home health care providers. The governor’s acknowledgement of the need to take action is a welcome first step to addressing this serious issue.

“When it comes to public safety, I was disappointed that Governor Hochul failed to address the need to repeal bail reform, especially given its proven negative impact on our communities. The statistics show that bail reform has contributed to the rise in violent crime across our state, and I urge the governor to commit to reining in bail reform and providing law enforcement the resources it needs to protect our neighborhoods and keep families safe.

“I was impressed the governor acknowledged that 300,000 New Yorkers have left our state for opportunities elsewhere, and it’s a welcome sign that she will take the long-needed plan for upstate economic development seriously. I was pleased by the governor’s proposal of $100 million in small business relief and locally, her support for ORDA will be vital. In addition, we must reduce taxes, fees and burdens on new and existing businesses and invest in workforce development and skills-based training to help residents find and obtain a good-paying career.

“Some of the governor’s plans would make a positive impact on our quality of life. I welcome her commitment to issues I’ve long advocated for: responsibly promoting the Adirondacks and increasing funding to the Joseph P. Dwyer Program for veterans. Her proposal to finally make broadband accessible statewide is welcome, but I do believe she ought to eliminate the fiber optic tax that’s delayed and driven up the costs of completing this project. In addition, I encourage Governor Hochul to take on the need for better affordable housing options and push for tax relief on everyday goods and services.

“This year is shaping up to be one of the busiest ever. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to make our state safer and more vibrant for this and future generations.”

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Today began the start of the 2022 legislative session with Governor Kathy Hochul giving her first State of the State address, the first woman in New York to ever do so. Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was pleased with many of her proposals and the tone of her speech.

“During the upcoming legislative session, I plan to continue to address issues impacting the residents of the North Country,” said Jones.  “I welcome Governor Hochul’s spirit of collaboration that she showed toward the Legislature today and look forward to working with her on proposals that will benefit the North Country”

Throughout the North Country too many communities lack the access to reliable internet service. Investment to continue to buildout in rural areas is needed and the Governor’s proposal to streamline the process is much-needed as well. Additionally, Assemblyman Jones supports increased investment in infrastructure and upgrading our roads and bridges and increased CHIPS funding to help our local municipalities with important repairs.

As a former dairy farmer, Jones supports Governor Hochul’s proposal to help the agricultural workforce through various grant programs and by expanding the Agribusiness Child Development Centers as well as improving the food supply chain to ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh local food. “This is first time I have seen agriculture so prominent in any State of the State. It’s refreshing to see farmers prioritized,” said Jones.

Assemblyman Jones was also relieved by the Governor’s promise to invest in workforce development. “Workforce shortages have been a major obstacle for our businesses, and our economic outlook will not be where it needs to be unless we address it,” said Jones. Governor Hochul plans to address it by bringing educational institutions, workforce training organizations, and employers together to break down silos and to address workforce shortages.

In addressing workforce shortages, Assemblyman Jones has heard from folks throughout the North Country about the need for investment in childcare and education and he looks forward to working with Governor Hochul on these proposals, including her proposal to expand the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to part-time students. Assemblyman Jones additionally believes the Governor’s commitment to increase pay and remove bureaucratic red tape for healthcare workers will help address healthcare workers shortages in rural areas. An increase in home health care workers will allow New Yorkers to age in place, a priority for Assemblyman Jones. The Governor also is planning a commission to look into repurposing shuttered state prison facilities, one of the assemblyman’s priorities since he took office, which will help communities that have struggled with these closures.

“With rising inflation, the Governor’s proposed middle-class tax cuts and property tax relief will provide some financial assurance to many struggling North Country families. Additionally, the proposed $100 million tax relief for small businesses and tax credit for COVID-19 related expenses will allow our businesses to maintain operation after months of regulations that cut at their bottom line,” said Jones.

“Governor Hochul, made it clear that creating a more open and transparent government is a top priority,” continued Jones. “For people to have faith in their legislators, they must be aware of what is going on behind the scenes, and I applaud the governor for her commitment to accountability changing JCOPE to a true independent watchdog with real teeth.”

Source: One year after the U.S. Capitol riot: How Stefanik embraced, amplified election falsehoods | NCPR News

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Christine Peters

L-R Foster Care/Adoption Supervisor Paula Dew, Home Finder Lorene Easter, Director of Clinton County’s Legal and Social Services Christine Peters

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Have you ever considered being a foster parent? Who are the children who need foster care? Do many foster parents adopt the children they foster? How do you become a foster parent? Christine Peters, Director of Clinton County’s Legal and Social Services, has the answers to these questions. Peters supervises five units related to foster care – Family First, Child Protective Services, Preventative, Adolescent, and Foster Care. 

Parental mental health and substance abuse problems are the most common reasons local children need foster care according to Peters. In addition, generational poverty sometimes contributes to chronic neglect – children not attending school, having unmet medical needs, or living in a dirty environment. She commented, “Last year, our Child Protective Services Unit completed about 1,200 reports. Pre-pandemic, we were doing about 1,600 reports.” Peters said most child referrals come from schools, doctors, concerned citizens, family members, and law enforcement. 

Children’s well-being is the primary goal of Social Services foster care professionals.  Peters explained, “We look for permanency for the children at all times. For the first 12 months a child is under our supervision the goal is always reunification with the parent. We want foster care to be temporary, but we realize that can’t always happen. Ultimately, we want one home for one child.”

Social Services caseworkers maintain close contact with children and foster parents. Peters explained, “We have to see the child at least twice a month. One time it has to be in the home; the other time can be here. In the reunification phase, children meet with the parent once a week. So we see the child a minimum of two and a maximum of four times a month.” 

Clinton County typically has about eighty to ninety children in foster care and twenty to twenty-three adoptions a year. Peters explained, “Right now, we have sixty-six foster/adoptive homes and eighteen relative foster homes. We have a lot of children with intensive behavioral issues. We also look for homes that will take large sibling groups. When people adopt a child, sometimes they leave the program. So we are constantly recruiting.” Foster parents receive daily board and care stipends, plus an annual clothing allowance. 

Who typically becomes a foster parent? Peters said, “Often people who work in the helping professions – teachers, medical professionals, police officers, retired people. Sometimes people grew up in a home that fostered children. Others say they want to give back to the community or help children. Relatives often foster a child. A small percentage of our foster parents can’t have children; they want to build a family.” 

Undoubtedly, many readers have additional questions. Fortunately, the Department of Social Services is conducting an informational meeting in just a few days. Caseworkers and one or more foster parents will impart information and answer questions. It’s on Tuesday, January 11th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 13 Durkee Street in Plattsburgh. Please call 518-565-3320 to confirm attendance since space will be limited to maintain COVID-19 social distancing. 

Beekmantown Sr HS (BSH) 48.0 Peru Sr HS (PSH) 28.0
102: Matthew  Desotell (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.) 110: Keagan Trim (PSH) over Jacob  Lagree  (BSH) (Fall 1:49) 118: Logan Trim (PSH) over Jack Brown (BSH) (Fall 3:56) 126: Alan Frost-Jones (BSH) over Maxwell Jess (PSH) (Fall 1:14) 132: Kadin Johnson (PSH) over Jacob  Magiera (BSH) (MD 11-0) 138: Sawyer Bell (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.) 145: Payton  Chase (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.) 152: Alexander Harrington (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.) 160: Cornal Brinson (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.) 172: Nathan Mitchell (PSH) over Mathew  Lewandowski (BSH) (Fall 0:41) 189: Alexander  Hall (BSH) over Ryan Robinson (PSH) (Fall 4:24) 215: Parker Liberty (PSH) over   (BSH) (For.) 285: Connor Bushey (BSH) over   (PSH) (For.)

You can find more details regarding this dual using the following link.

https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/seasons/LoadBalance.jsp?pageName=DualMatches.jsp&dualId=6225444132

Source: New Year’s baby twins born on different days, months and years – syracuse.com

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